Current Projects
‘15,000 Military Personnel Protecting CPEC’
The government has deployed 15,000 military personnel, as part of the Special Security Division (SSD) and Maritime Security Force (MSF), to protect projects under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both forces will work under the interior ministry, in coordination with the provinces, to ensure the safety of locals and foreigners working on CPEC projects. “The SSD is a force that will provide security to 34 CPEC related projects, while the MSF will safeguard the Gwadar port and other coastal areas of the country,” Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC, told Dawn after a committee meeting in Parliament House on Monday. He said the SSD had been deployed in six zones from Gwadar to Gilgit-Baltistan, including all four provinces and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). “Under its terms of reference, the SSD will be responsible for the security of the area within a 5km radius of CPEC-related projects,” he said. In addition, the SSD will also patrol different areas of the corridor, especially where road-building projects are under way. Both the SSD and MSF were formed in view of possible threats to the $48 billion CPEC and the foreign nationals presently engaged in infrastructure and power generation projects being commissioned under its umbrella. He said the SSD and MSF were raised over the course of a year and that both forces were equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, equipment and vehicles. “Most SSD personnel are serving armymen,” he added. Responding to a question regarding the concerns raised by provinces regarding an overlap in security duties being performed by the SSD and the provincial police, Senator Sayed said the terms of reference of the SSD were developed in consultation with provincial governments to remove any concerns they might have. According to a press release, the committee was briefed by senior officers from the ministries of defence, interior and communication. The briefings...
Afghanistan Weekly Field Report | 12 to 18 February 2017
Countrywide Conflict Displacement The total number of individuals displaced by conflict in 2016 has risen to 652,690 as joint teams finalise assessments of those displaced last year. In 2017 so far, 15,445 individuals have been verified as displaced, with 18 out of 34 provinces recording some level of forced displacement. Northern/North Eastern: In keeping with the previous weeks’ trends, the region remained volatile with NSAGs taking control of several additional villages in Faryab province, adding to areas already captured this year in Khaja Sabz Posh and Shirintagab districts, and increasing insecurity along the Maymana highway. Unconfirmed reports indicate that 400 families from Gurzad village in Shirintagab district were displaced as a result of this fighting, with assessments due to commence shortly. In 2017 so far, 3,137 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 20 per cent of the country total. Eastern: Intense cross border shelling and airstrikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan - hitting Parchaw Rina and Machmegee villages of Lal Pur district - continued for two days during the week following suicide bombings in Pakistan on 13 and 16 February. As a result, unconfirmed reports indicate that between 1,200 to 2000 individuals were displaced to Chaknawar, Mohmandara, Goshta, Ghanikhel and within Lal Pur District. Assessments are due to commence shortly. Western: Throughout the week, Farah registered a number of armed clashes between ANSF and NSAG forces while Hirat experienced low key armed clashes in Karukh, and Ghoryan districts. As a result, 199 individuals were displaced to Qalae-Naw city (Badghis) and 371 people to Hirat city. In 2017 so far, 1,576 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 10 per cent of the country total. ANSF conducted clearing operations in Guzara district. Southern: Frontline clashes and airstrikes remained active throughout the week in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul. Unconfirmed...
Afghanistan Weekly Field Report | 12 to 18 February 2017
Countrywide Conflict Displacement The total number of individuals displaced by conflict in 2016 has risen to 652,690 as joint teams finalise assessments of those displaced last year. In 2017 so far, 15,445 individuals have been verified as displaced, with 18 out of 34 provinces recording some level of forced displacement. Northern/North Eastern: In keeping with the previous weeks’ trends, the region remained volatile with NSAGs taking control of several additional villages in Faryab province, adding to areas already captured this year in Khaja Sabz Posh and Shirintagab districts, and increasing insecurity along the Maymana highway. Unconfirmed reports indicate that 400 families from Gurzad village in Shirintagab district were displaced as a result of this fighting, with assessments due to commence shortly. In 2017 so far, 3,137 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 20 per cent of the country total. Eastern: Intense cross border shelling and airstrikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan - hitting Parchaw Rina and Machmegee villages of Lal Pur district - continued for two days during the week following suicide bombings in Pakistan on 13 and 16 February. As a result, unconfirmed reports indicate that between 1,200 to 2000 individuals were displaced to Chaknawar, Mohmandara, Goshta, Ghanikhel and within Lal Pur District. Assessments are due to commence shortly. Western: Throughout the week, Farah registered a number of armed clashes between ANSF and NSAG forces while Hirat experienced low key armed clashes in Karukh, and Ghoryan districts. As a result, 199 individuals were displaced to Qalae-Naw city (Badghis) and 371 people to Hirat city. In 2017 so far, 1,576 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 10 per cent of the country total. ANSF conducted clearing operations in Guzara district. Southern: Frontline clashes and airstrikes remained active throughout the week in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul. Unconfirmed...
Sabawoon Showcase: February 15, 2017
Importance of Sports for Peace and Healthy Life The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (living spirits) discussed the significance of sports for peace and healthy life. Other discussion points included the role of Sports Directorate Peshawar, participation of females in sports, under-23 games, scarcity of play grounds in the region, and current situation of sports activities in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Mr. Saleem Raza, District Sports Officer, Peshawar, and Mr. Mohammad Imran, World Shaolin Wushu Champion from Peshawar, were the in-studio guests. Mr. Raza said: “Sports Directorate of KP have been actively working to promote sports in the province. It will soon arrange under-23 games including 13 games for boys and 15 for girls.” Mr. Imran said: “For a healthy mind, we need a healthy body. Playing games thus becomes important.” A live caller in the show asked how to participate in the under-23 games especially those for blind people. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
CHINA WATCH [FEBRUARY 14-20] CHINA OFFERS SUPPORT TO FIGHT TERRORISM
China has condemned the Sehwan terrorist attack and offered its support against the terrorism and extremism to Pakistan. Pakistan has said that India was openly opposing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and India will hold strategic talks this week to discuss the banning of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Masood Azhar, and India’s inclusion in the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). Ministry of Water and Power shared the details of terms and conditions of financing and tariff structure of energy projects with National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reforms. Pakistan and China have revised the ‘priority list’ of the energy projects to be completed within the next two years under the CPEC. Pakistan’s Board of Investment (BOI) has identified 41 sites to establish SEZs as part of the CPEC. KP government will establish a force of 2,600 personnel for the security of CPEC and Swat Motorway. China Offers Support to Fight Terrorism: China condemned the Sehwan terrorist attack and offered its support against terrorism and extremism.[1] Chinese Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that “[W]e express deep condolences to victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and bereaved.” The statement came in the aftermath of a gory terrorist attack on the shrine of Sufi Lal Shahbaz in Sindh that took the lives of more than 80 people. During the last week, Pakistan saw a sudden surge in terror attacks that seriously undermined the stability and order that had been achieved after relatively successful implementation of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan. Above all, the attacks have exposed the limitations of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy and refreshed the questions whether the country is ready to provide foolproof security to the multi-billion dollar CPEC project. India Threat to CPEC: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said in his weekly briefing that India was openly...
Sabawoon Showcase: February 16, 2017
Tolerance and Respect for Diversity The latest episode of Ranra (light) took up the subject of intolerance in our society and the important of respect for diversity in promoting peace. Other points of discussion included the definition and scope of tolerance, diversity and its implications, Pashtun values, extremism and terrorism, socio-economic development in the region, minority rights, civil society advocacy campaigns to promote respect for diversity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and lack of proper content about these ideals in educational curricula. Two social activists and bloggers, Ms. Ghazala Ghazal and Mr. Waqar Anwer from Peshawar, took part as studio guests. Ms. Ghazal said: “The root cause of extremism and terrorism in Pakistan is the intolerance for diversity and other religious groups. People need to understand the ideals of tolerance and respect for diversity. Without these values, we cannot think of a peaceful society.” Mr. Anwer said: “We should consider our differences as a source of dynamism and diversity. There is a dire need to make education about these ideals part of curricula.” A radio report highlighted how intolerance has given birth to different regional and national issues and the role of peaceful coexistence in conflict resolution. Five callers participated live in the program. They highlighted the role of parents, teachers, community elders, and text books in promoting the spirit of tolerance among youth. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from...
Detention – a Shift in Policy!
For many in Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed Chief of defunct Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) & Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is a hero. He is regarded as a credible crusader for the Kashmir cause. He admits his organization's role in keeping the Kashmir movement alive. His high profiled political activities including openly eulogizing the Kashmir martyrs of Pakistani origin have brought Pakistan in conflict with the UN and US sanctions. His free movement has been a major hurdle in starting India-Pakistan stalled dialogue. The Government of Pakistan has withstood US pressure and Indian media battering for some time now. One wonders what caused a sudden shift in the government policy, which led to the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed along with four other persons. If the detention is "in national interest" and therefore a "national policy", about which there is no doubt how come the detention was not considered earlier? If as claimed that there were no sufficient evidence for his detention what new facts emerged suddenly for the government to ignore the past court orders squashing similar detentions. Hafiz Saeed was arrested twice in 2001, once in 2002, thrice in 2006 and once in 2009. On all occasions, detentions were brief. Media has quizzed whether the house arrest manifests a turning point or a meaningful shift in Pakistan's policy of dealing with alleged terrorists. Have we reached a stage where the government is seriously contemplating a broader review of its policy part of which is how to deal with people sanctioned by UN as terrorists? If this is the case, it is a sign of wisdom, and political maturity, an act of pragmatism and realpolitik, above all an opportune display of astute diplomacy. Unfortunately, the timing and developments related to the detention, indirectly or directly, have thrown up many disturbing questions about the pressures the country is facing. The countries interested in the trial of Hafiz Saeed fail to appreciate lack of evidence, which can stand...
President Ghani: Terrorism is the defining challenge of our time which requires generational commitment to overcome
President Ghani’s Speech (Transcript) at 53rd Munich Security Conference Dateline: February 18, 2017. Munich, Germany Distinguished colleagues, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Terrorism is a defining challenge of our time. This challenge is going to require a generational commitment to overcome. It is not a phenomenon that is going to be contained in two years, more likely two decades. The wise men and women of 1945 feeling present at creation made half the world safe for democracy, rule of law and prosperity. Being present at a moment defining the 21st century, the task requires focus at the global, continental, Islamic, regional and national levels. We are at a moment when the world order is being re-defined and it is up to us as to whether we are going to make it productive, disruptive or destructive. We have a view from the edge because we are on the edge and we sense and respond to emerging patterns that might be difficult to see elsewhere. Fighting 20 groups classified as terrorist by US and UN, we are the frontline state in the first line of defense against terrorism. This is not a fight that we are doing just for our own liberty; we are engaged in a fight for security of the world. What are we learning? I would like to highlight some of the characteristics of the terrorism that we are facing. In earlier conferences, I put forward the notion that this is the fifth wave of political violence integrating and expanding the techniques of the previous waves in the past 160 years. The history of violence is a continuous history. There is no civilization, no religion, no part of the world that once in the last 160 years has not been a major center or engaged in terrorism. In no way, shape or form is terrorism related to one civilization or to one religion. The past geology of it needs to be understood because it is a series of continuous techniques. It has combined social network and virtual networks into a deadly force. The social networks are continuity of...
European Union and Afghanistan sign Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice–President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, and the Minister of Finance of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Eklil Hakimi, today signed a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development (CAPD), in the presence of the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani. "The European Union has always stood by the Afghan people and will continue to do so. After the very successful international conference we have jointly chaired in Brussels last year, now our cooperation grows even more. The Cooperation Agreement we have signed today will allow us to build on the areas that we already engage with the Afghan authorities on, such as human development, anti-corruption, state building, and the rule of law, as well as cooperation on migration. This agreement is a partnership agreement by name and by nature. The European Union will keep working with our Afghan partners for the stability and the sustainable development of the country, for the sake of all Afghans," said the High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini. Minister Hakimi underlined that: "The Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development (CAPD) is a vital new framework for partnership between Afghanistan and the European Union. This agreement builds on our mutual commitments for stability and development made in Bonn in 2011, in Tokyo in 2012, in London in 2014 and renewed at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan last year. It also formalises our partnership and provides an opportunity to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Afghanistan and the EU by conducting regular political dialogue on various fronts including on support for peace, security and development in Afghanistan and the region. I thank Ms. Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, for opening up a new chapter in the Afghanistan-EU relationship.” The Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development is the...
Russia Bars U.S. From Afghanistan Peace Conference, Supports Taliban Terrorists
Russia barred the U.S. from the Afghanistan peace conference held in Moscow on Wednesday, much to the consternation of Afghanistan. The peace conference was surrounded with public recriminations. Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran are on one side, and Afghanistan and India are on the other. Pakistan, Iran, and Russia have supported the Taliban, which is an insurgent organization that frequently uses terrorist tactics against civilian targets. China had direct talks with the Taliban last year, and its military vehicles have recently been spotted in Afghanistan. Russia says support of the Taliban will counter the Islamic State, which is the more dangerous foe. But such support will really just weaken the current elected government of Afghanistan, and its U.S. supporters, and give Russia a new client in the region. The U.S. should reconsider whether Russia can be trusted as a responsible ally against terrorism. Russia disparages the elected government of Afghanistan as unwilling to fight Islamic State. At the conference last year, Russia only invited Pakistan and China. For Russia not to invite NATO members who have been most involved in trying to bring peace, development, democracy, and the rule of law to Afghanistan is insulting, but perhaps not surprising since Russia, and its ally China, oppose U.S. influence in the region. As the U.S. and its allies retreat from Afghanistan, Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan are trying to fill the resulting power vacuum by allying through the Taliban against not only Islamic State, but against the current democratically-elected government of Afghanistan. This will result in more Taliban influence in Kabul, and could hasten or even lead to the overthrow of the elected government. That is unfortunate for the citizens of Afghanistan, who will lose their relatively secular government in exchange for more violence, the old fundamentalist Islamic government of the Taliban, or both. It will also be a very public failure of the U.S. and...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.